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Expert: - 4/5/2007


Question
I just inherited a classic cape cod style house built in 1930. Like many capes there is nothing over the front door to protect visitors from the elements.  I would like to change this but not distract from the house or the style of architecture.  Any suggestions?

Answer
Dee - thanks for your question!

You're experiencing a problem common to owners of older homes - how to increase the function and comfort and still maintain the architectural integrity.

Some would slap on a big porch in this instance and ruin the house - but you're to be commended for your desire to keep the original form and character of the house intact!

What you need is a bracketed overhang.  It's a porch roof, either a flat-top or shed, that's supported by brackets rather than by posts.  Roofs like this are common on the side and back entries of Colonial Revival homes.

Here's an example of something similar to what might work for you: http://www.epsilon-theta.org/spur/diary/images/during/med/during-20021126-ConstR...

The brackets in this example are good in their simplicity, but probably a little chunky for your cape.

The most important things to keep in mind are keeping it relatively small; keeping the detailing simple; and maintaining a strong horizontal line to keep with the character of the house.

Of course the flashing and roofing details are also important to keep it weathertight; talk to a local craftsman/builder about that.

Hope this helps!

Richard Taylor, AIA
www.rtastudio.com
www.rtaplans.com
www.dontbuyahouseplan.com
www.rtahouseplans.com

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Richard Taylor, AIA

Expertise

Ask me about all aspects of house, remodeling. , and room addition design and construction. Ask me about historic homes, renovation, and restoration. Ask me about materials and techniques, and about how you can get the best value for your design and construction dollar. Ask me how you can make your home a very special place. I can't, however, answer specific structural engineering questions in this forum - that's something you'll need on-site observation for.

Experience

I own a full-service residential architectural firm, and have been designing custom homes, remodelings, and room additions across the country since 1983. Check us out at Richard Taylor Architects and RTA Plans. I have written and been published extensively on the subject of residential architecture.

Organizations
American Institute of Architects, City of Dublin Architectural Review Board, Vice Chair of City of Dublin Planning and Zoning Commission, American Planning Association, Board Member Historic Dublin Business Association, Past Editor of SPLASH (a software forum), Past Editor of Open Directory Project, Assistant Scoutmaster, Boy Scouts of America

Publications
Business First of Columbus, Suburban New Publications, About.com, Cleveland Plain Dealer, Columbus Dispatch Residential Architect Custom Home Architect Remodeling Architect

Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Environmental Design (Architecture) Miami University 1983
For more about home design, check out my blog at Sense Of Place and join the conversation on our Facebook Page.

Awards and Honors
2010 Dublin Chamber of Commerce Business Person of the Year

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